Third Man on the Mountain November 1959

Third Man on the Mountain November 1959

FROM WALT DISNEY A NEW HIGH IN THRILLING ACTION, SUSPENSE AND EXCITEMENT!

Why did Walt Disney climb the mountain? To film ‘Third Man on the Mountain’ the non-classic Disney movie that should be a classic Disney movie. A cinematic masterpiece that should, but doesn’t, rank up their with the likes of ‘Swiss Family Robinson’, ‘20,000 Leagues under the Sea’, and good ‘Old Yeller’. For some reason or other this tale of a young man who wants to climb a mountain is not as well known as those other titles, or it would most likely be a classic, although unlike some other Disney titles this fantastically made film has made it to DVD.

The fantastic and beautiful cinematography, filmed entirely in Switzerland, is matched by a simple story of a young man named Rudi Matt who wants to be a mountain climber only to be discouraged by his uncle Franz because Rudi’s dad died climbing the Citadel. All mountains may be climbed and are climbed in the local area where Rudi lives but the Citadel. Instead of a life of climbing mountains like his dad, Rudi is stuck being an adventurous dishwasher. But that doesn’t stop him from taking off now and then and doing a little wandering of the hills. It was during one such excursion to the hills when Rudi happens to come across expert mountain climber Captain John Winter stuck in a cavern. This rescue opens up doors for Rudi to climb through (and up a mountain).

But nothing is so simple as it seems. A series of decisions, events, and other happenings leads to conflict and drama between Rudi and his Uncle and leads to a climatic climb up the Citadel with several mountaineers. There is plenty of fun mountain climbing mentoring to Rudi from his somewhat crabby boss named Teo. He gives some Mr. Magai type lessons to Rudi to prepare his climb up the mountain.
The other bright spot on the mountain is Lizabeth. Not only does she work with Rudi at the hotel, she helps out in the mountaineering lessons. She’s also his girlfriend. She is spirited, plucky, pretty, outgoing, smart, witty, encouraging and funny and is liable to kiss you before while you have no nerve to kiss her. She is the type of girl you would want to ask out to a dance, or at least I would. She also hands Rudi what I believe is a St. Christopher Medal as he goes off on his mountain adventure. This is at a time in film history where they were not afraid to actually show faith as a part of everyday life.

This film is based on the book ‘Banner in the Sky’, by James Ramesy Ulman and is based on a true story. That book inspired the movie and the movie inspired a ride at Disneyland, the Matterhorn Bobsled ride. It’s seems more natural to base a ride on a movie as opposed to a movie on a ride.

‘Third Man on the Mountain’ is a fun dramatic, funny, and exciting climb up a mountain. Along with ‘Vertical Limit’, it is another great film filled with exciting breathtaking cinematography that is worth adding to your library of family films.